Bettiah Farmhouse Stormed and Set Ablaze in Daring Daylight Attack
A shocking incident of violence and extortion has rocked Chiutaha village in West Champaran, with police confirming the arrest of four individuals, including an alleged member of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The attack targeted the farmhouse of a local farmer, Mohammad Zeeshan Zulfekar, on Friday morning.
Details of the Violent Raid
According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the victim, the terrifying ordeal began around 11 am on Friday. Zulfekar stated that approximately 200 people, armed with sharp weapons, forcefully entered his property located under the Mainatand police station limits.
The mob, led by alleged Bishnoi gang henchman Shashank Pandey, proceeded to break down walls, loot cattle, stocks of wheat and paddy, and other valuables. The situation escalated when Pandey allegedly pointed a gun at Zulfekar and demanded he transfer the ownership of the farmhouse as extortion.
The violence spilled over when a neighbour attempted to intervene. Pandey is accused of pointing the gun at her head, while another accused, Avinash Mishra, allegedly hit her with a rod, causing injuries. The assailants finally set the entire farmhouse on fire before fleeing.
Police Action and Criminal History of the Accused
Following a complaint by Zulfekar, the Narkatiaganj Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Jayprakash Singh, confirmed that a case was registered at Mainatand police station against 17 known and 100-200 unknown persons.
By Saturday, police had arrested four accused: Shashank Pandey, Avinash Mishra, Hariraj Manjhi, and Raghu Manjhi, all residents of Chiutaha village. They have been sent to judicial custody.
SDPO Singh highlighted that Shashank Pandey is a repeat offender with a significant criminal record. He was previously arrested on October 22, 2023, from Raxaul in East Champaran on charges of links to the Bishnoi gang. Even earlier, on July 24, 2022, Haryana Police had arrested Pandey along with three others associated with the Bishnoi and Goldy Brar gangs in Ambala, seizing three illegal firearms and 24 cartridges.
Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
The brazen attack has caused significant fear and unrest in the village. The police investigation is ongoing, with efforts to identify the large number of unknown assailants involved in the crime. The case underscores the persistent challenge of interstate criminal gangs and violent extortion attempts in the region.
Authorities are delving deeper into Pandey's connections and the possible motives behind this targeted attack, as they work to ensure the safety and security of the affected community.
